8 Beach Towns Perfect for Fall Getaways Beaches

8 Beach Towns Perfect for Fall Getaways

From Nantucket to Newport Beach destinations are at their best when summer fades

mauritius images GmbH / Alamy Stock Photo Rehoboth Beach Those of us who love our and a bit cooler know that fall can be the best time to visit summer hot spots — which are also often more affordable to visit off-season, when hotel and home rental rates in many resort areas plunge. Consider these eight beach towns — each very different — across the U.S. for an autumn getaway. of

Newport Beach California

This an hour's drive south of Los Angeles International Airport boasts more than eight miles of sandy beach and is mostly sunny and warm in the fall. During the day, visitors rent bikes and ride along on the boardwalk, book a harbor cruise, take in panoramic views from the seaside Balboa Fun Zone Ferris Wheel, and can choose from a long list of delicious dining options. Newport Beach is also where Tokyo Olympics beach volleyball gold medalist April Ross grew up; she'd practice on the volleyball courts of Corona del Mar State Beach, where you can watch amateurs and pros serve and spike. of

Harbor Springs Michigan

The beaches in this historic resort community on Little Traverse Bay in northern Michigan are a few blocks from art galleries, antique stores and B&Bs. In fall, also makes an ideal base for viewing on the twisting, two-lane “Tunnel of Trees” along state route M-119. The 20-mile drive takes you under arches of blazing color along bluffs overlooking . Stop along the way to taste Tunnel Vision Hard Cider or Michigan cherry wine at Harbor Springs Vineyard & Winery. In town, you can rent a kayak to view fall colors from the water. of

Panama City Beach Florida

This popular and affordable in northwest Florida is known for its emerald waters (beautiful for swimming and snorkeling), gorgeous sunsets, the stunning St. Andrews State Park and 27 miles of snow-white beach — as well as its accessibility. Beaches are accessible to wheelchairs via ramps, and the city offers free use of beach wheelchairs at the Russell-Fields Pier. Beach Powered Mobility rents various kinds of chairs, including a motorized Beach Cruiser and one that floats. Fall brings anglers in for the Panama City Beach Fishing Rodeo, this year on three weekends from Sept. 23 to Oct. 9. of

Rehoboth Beach Delaware

Crisp autumn days are made for biking, and the network of flat trails at this 2 1/2 hours east of the nation's capital is perfect for recreational cyclists. Joe and Jill Biden, who own a vacation home here, have been known to take a spin. If you like to stroll, hit the mile-long boardwalk and wide expanse of sandy beach — then do as the president does and order a vanilla-chocolate chip cone at Double Dippers or the chicken parm at DiFebo's Restaurant. Or sample wine, craft beer, mead and strawberry brandy on the new South Del Tasting Trail. of

Piedras Blancas Rookery San Simeon California

This one's for the animal lovers. You can't walk or swim at this fenced-off about seven miles north of San Simeon's Hearst Castle on California's Central Coast. The attraction is the entertaining, cacophonous colony of elephant seals, named for long noses resembling those of pachyderms. September to November, juvenile seals swim toward land, after months at sea. In late November, adult males weighing up to 5,000 pounds arrive to lay claim to territory and mates — often fighting loudly for both. At peak times in the fall, more than 15,000 seals may be basking, barking and biting. Admission is free; just pull into the parking lot off Route 1. Afterward, drive about 45 minutes northwest to the lovely Hearst Ranch Winery and say cheers to a memorable day. of

South Padre Island Texas

This offers more than 30 miles of sand on the state's southern tip. While it's known for spring break partying, with plenty of watering holes and live music venues, fall brings room for plenty of other diversions. The South Padre Island Birding, Nature Center & Alligator Sanctuary, for one, has a five-story watchtower where you can train binoculars on a variety of seabirds. And fish are biting in the fall. Take a charter and hook up with tarpon and red snapper or drop a line from a fishing pier. of

Lake Habeeb Flintstone Maryland

Though only two hours from Pittsburgh and Washington, D.C., this in western Maryland's Rocky Gap State Park isn't widely known — but it has three sandy beaches and what's billed as the bluest water in the state. Come fall, visitors can admire the foliage on surrounding mountains from a canoe or one of many hiking trails. The paved quarter-mile “Touch of Nature” path leads to a fishing dock. The park also offers reasonably priced campsites ($27.50 nightly with electrical hookups) or cabins ($50.50). Visitors 62 and over score 50 percent off Sunday-Thursday stays with a $10 Golden Age Pass, available at the park. Or, for indoor types, there's the nearby Rocky Gap Casino Resort. of

Nantucket Massachusetts

The island summer playground of the rich and famous, an hour from Hyannis via high-speed ferry, has more appeal to the everyday traveler come fall. Hotel rates sink, the mood mellows and the foliage is fantastic. You'll have two dozen public beaches to explore — consider bringing or renting a bike — including Madaket (sunset-watching), Surfside (early-morning shell-collecting) and Jetties (unlike many , it has restrooms, easy access plus a seaside bar-restaurant open till early October). In town, stroll cobblestone streets and photograph the stately former homes of whaling captains. At night, tables at popular eateries are easier to reserve. Do as the locals do, and dance to live music at the unpretentious Chicken Box nightspot.

Join today and save 25% off the standard annual rate. Get instant access to discounts, programs, services, and the information you need to benefit every area of your life. Kitty Bean Yancey, a former USA Today deputy managing editor, is a travel writer and the winner of multiple Lowell Thomas Awards from the Society of American Travel Writers.

More Fall Travel Ideas

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